liable

adjective

ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce liable (audio)
Definition of liablenext
1
as in susceptible
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm because of his frail constitution, he's liable to diseases

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in responsible
being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so the owner of a pet is liable for any damage that that pet might do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective liable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liable are exposed, open, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When is it sensible to use exposed instead of liable?

The words exposed and liable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

In what contexts can open take the place of liable?

While the synonyms open and liable are close in meaning, open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When might prone be a better fit than liable?

The meanings of prone and liable largely overlap; however, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would sensitive be a good substitute for liable?

While in some cases nearly identical to liable, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than liable?

In some situations, the words subject and liable are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When could susceptible be used to replace liable?

The synonyms susceptible and liable are sometimes interchangeable, but susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of liable Conner's 1995 death at the hands of an officer — one who had been found liable for violating the civil rights of another Black man just two years earlier — sent protesters to the streets. —Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 4 July 2025 However, Charney denied the accusations and was never found liable or faced allegations of abuse in court. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 July 2025 Mark Goss has been fighting for years to hold the state of Michigan liable for a 2018 snowmobiling accident that has left him permanently disabled. —Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 3 July 2025 The lender can seize only the real property and no other assets and the estate isn’t liable for any shortfall. —Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for liable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liable
  1. susceptible
  2. responsible
  3. vulnerable
  4. sensitive
  5. exposed
  6. prone
Adjective
  • This results in long, deep wounds in the surrounding flesh that are also susceptible to secondary bacterial infections, causing severe pain, and potentially death if left untreated.
    — Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • Being able to track this is super helpful because male cats are more susceptible to UTIs, which can be potentially life-threatening.
    — Molly Higgins, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • While the statue itself would be paid for by the people of France, the Americans would be responsible for its prodigious base.
    — Mo Rocca July 6, CBS News, 6 July 2025
  • Interestingly, research has found that asthmatics tend to have lower levels of IgG. While camel milk is rich in these bioactive compounds, the study didn’t isolate or quantify which specific components were responsible for the observed effects.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2025
Definition of responsible
Adjective
  • These offenders swarm these vulnerable victims, usually Asian, older females.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Along the way, Manuel opened a small nonprofit to supply basic needs for Native foster kids that grew into a statewide cultural support service for the most vulnerable youth.
    — Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025
Definition of vulnerable
Adjective
  • This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
  • The thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.
    — Logan Holland, People.com, 4 July 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Even with the help of the train, rescuers hiked a mile along an exposed ridgeline above 5,000 feet, encountering high winds and freezing temperatures, to reach Wilson.
    — Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 24 June 2025
  • Iran would likely retaliate against U.S. troops stationed at exposed and vulnerable bases in Iraq and Syria.
    — Reid Smith, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025
Definition of exposed
Adjective
  • The discovered manipulation techniques are a reminder of the fact that every system is prone to be gamed; that the very strength of the system – ie.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2025
Definition of prone

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liability
liable
liaison
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Cite this Entry

“Liable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liable. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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